Mar 9, 2024| ESG

JD.com Recognized by United Nations Global Compact for Advancing Gender Equality in the Workplace

Vivian Yang

To mark International Women’s Day, the UN Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, released a new report titled Women at Work: Chinese companies taking action on gender equality on March 8, which highlights JD.com’s commitment to fostering gender equality in its workplace.

The report features a selection of case studies and personal stories from various industries across China, spotlighting exemplary practices and insights gained in advancing gender equality within the workplace. It offers a comprehensive overview of both global and China-specific progress in this arena through an examination of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly focusing on SDG 5: Gender Equality. Additionally, the report provides actionable gender equality roadmaps and essential resources for businesses, encouraging them to play a pivotal role in the collective journey towards achieving SDG 5.

Commenting on the report’s release, Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact said: “In our ongoing journey toward achieving gender equality, it’s inspiring to see the commitment and innovative approaches detailed in Women at Work. During a recent visit to China, I witnessed firsthand the dynamic discussions and unwavering dedication among business leaders to advance this cause. This report is not just a reflection of current practices but a call to action for companies worldwide to amplify their efforts in fostering inclusive and equitable workplaces. This report underscores the urgency and importance of building a more gender-inclusive business landscape.”

JD.com is honored to be the first Chinese company visited by Ms. Ojiambo during her China trip, in which she met JD’s first female CEO, Sandy Xu, and gained insights into the company’s rich history and its commitment to SDGs in green supply chain, responsible consumption, and gender equality, among others.

A Shining Example of Empowerment

The report highlights the story of Han Xue, a customer service representative and mother living with a disability. She is a member of JD.com’s “Sunshine Angels” program, which provides online customer service job opportunities to people with disabilities. In her interview, Han said, “This job has not only allowed me to help others and forge friendships, but it also helped me regain confidence and zest for life.”

Han stressed the importance of striking a balance between work and family life, adding, “I aspire to be an optimistic and content mother.” She highlighted JD.com’s supportive environment, which recognizes and rewards her contributions, enabling her to excel professionally while being a devoted parent.JD’s “Sunshine Angels” initiative, launched in 2013, currently comprises around 100 members, with women constituting 70% of the core team. With plans to expand this initiative to 500 members, JD.com aims to provide more employment opportunities and development avenues for female employees and individuals with disabilities

A Win-Win Pursuit

Han’s story is a testament to JD.com’s commitment to nurturing a supportive workplace culture that facilitates the growth and success of all its employees. With nearly 620,000 employees, JD.com believes that offering tailored support to female employees and their families is mutually beneficial for the company. The company has undertaken substantial, measurable efforts in relevant areas, such as establishing a RMB 10 billion housing fund, providing childcare resources, offering comprehensive maternity benefits, and expanding its employee relief fund. These efforts propelled JD.com to become the first Chinese company in its industry selected for Bloomberg’s 2023 Gender Equality Index, underscoring its dedication to gender equality and sustainable employee development.

Moreover, as a company with both digital and real economy capabilities, JD.com offers diverse career opportunities for female employees, particularly opportunities in STEM fields, spanning digital industry services, research and development, internet healthcare, and more. Last year, the company also appointed a Chief Diversity Officer, further enhancing the environment for employee growth and development.

According to Zhang Pang, Chief Human Resources Officer at JD.com, prioritizing employee development is paramount. By fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment with long-term development opportunities, JD.com aims to generate greater value for both the company and society.

Aligning ESG Strategies with SDGs

JD.com’s ESG Director Li Yi who is also interviewed in the report highlighted the challenges and opportunities in advancing gender equality and underscored JD.com’s participation in the UN Global Compact’s Target Gender Equality Accelerator program in 2022 and the company’s commitment to the “Forward Faster” initiative in 2023, with a special focus on gender equality.

Li Yi shared, “Our involvement with the UN Global Compact has empowered us with a more profound sense of purpose, driving us to encourage business engagement in fostering women’s economic empowerment and contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development within the UN framework.”

(vivian.yang@jd.com)

Dec 3, 2024| ESG

JD Foundation Advances Disability Support Initiatives in Strategic Partnership

Vivian Yang

On November 29, in celebration of the 33rd International Day of Persons with Disabilities, JD Foundation, in collaboration with the Beijing Disabled Persons’ Federation and the Beijing Disabled Persons’ Welfare Foundation, hosted a series of charitable events at JD.com’s headquarters. JD Foundation and the Beijing Disabled Persons’ Welfare Foundation have established a strategic partnership focused on improving the quality of life for people with disabilities, promoting their integration into society, exploring new philanthropic models, and creating awareness for public welfare institutions. These efforts are collectively aimed at achieving high-quality development in disability support services.

JD.com has a longstanding commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities since its inception. As early as 2005, when JD.com entered the e-commerce sector, the company has employed individuals with disabilities. Over the years, the company has expanded its efforts through skills training and empowerment initiatives, facilitating employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for individuals with disabilities. In October of 2013, JD Customer Service launched the “Sunshine Angels” project, through which hundreds of individuals with disabilities have been employed, with plans to offer part-time positions to 1,000 more. JD.com currently employs over 4,000 individuals with disabilities, a number that continues to grow.

The November 29 event featured a charity bazaar with handicrafts created by people with disabilities. The well-attended bazaar showcased a variety of unique items, including crocheted wool flowers, ornaments, enamelware, bracelets, Beijing silk figurines, children’s paintings, paper cuttings, and postcards. Proceeds from the sales will go toward disability-related charitable causes. JD employees who made purchases each received a certificate and a commemorative badge recognizing their support and participation in disability advocacy.

One of the event’s highlights was a guide dog demonstration, where three guide dog users and their canine companions captured the attention of attendees. The guide dogs demonstrated their ability to assist their owners in navigating streets, avoiding obstacles, and ensuring safe travel. Guide dogs not only help visually impaired individuals to navigate and find destinations but also serve as protectors during emergencies. Beyond their practical assistance, these dogs are invaluable companions, providing emotional support to their owners.

The event also featured an inspiring performance by artists with disabilities from Beijing, Hebei, Tianjin, and other regions, in which they presented a rich tapestry of songs, dances, instrumental music, and storytelling. The performance provided a vibrant, heartwarming cultural showcase to attendees.

(vivian.yang@jd.com)

Oct 30, 2024| ESG, JD Worldwide

Ochama Expands in Europe, Launches New Warehouse in Poland to Boost Efficiency

April Chai

Ochama, the European omni-channel retail brand of JD.com, Inc. (also known as JINGDONG), has announced the launch of a new automated warehouse in Poland, aimed at boosting operational efficiency and enhancing customer experience throughout the region.

The new warehouse is strategically located near the Polish-German border, spanning 27,000 square meters. Utilizing a flexible goods-to-person system, it improves picking efficiency to three times that of a traditional approach. The facility enables ochama to achieve 48-hour fulfillment across Poland, with some orders eligible for same-day delivery, while also raising the 48-hour fulfillment rate in Germany to 80%. Additionally, the warehouse utilizes a rooftop photovoltaic power system and new energy forklifts, underscoring ochama’s commitment to sustainability.

This expansion positions ochama to meet the evolving needs of its growing European customer base. Ochama’s orders in Poland and Germany have surged by 284% year-over-year from January to October this year. The new warehouse, alongside ochama’s five other warehouses in the Netherlands and France, will serve customers across 24 European countries. Through a regional distribution strategy, ochama deploys products closer to customers, reducing delivery times and enhancing service efficiency.

Ochama now offers home delivery in 24 European countries, with more than 900 pick-up points across the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and France, along with over 1,000 pick-up lockers in the Netherlands and Belgium. Through continuous innovation, infrastructure enhancements, and advanced fulfillment capabilities, ochama remains dedicated to providing European customers with an efficient, reliable shopping experience.

About ochama

Ochama is an innovative B2C omni-channel retailer that uses state-of-the-art retail and supply chain solutions to offer a comprehensive, full-category assortment of both top-rated and budget-friendly products at the best prices. A subsidiary of JD.com, Inc., China’s largest retailer by revenue, ochama leverages advanced supply chain technologies and automated warehouses to redefine the shopping landscape. Our slogan, “Shopping made simple,” perfectly captures our mission. We are dedicated to fulfilling all our customers’ needs and providing a shopping experience that is not only easy and convenient but also enjoyable and fun.

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